Deck the Halls '09

A friendly Christmas ghost came to set up our tree this weekend!

We had such a fun weekend with Edward home from Calvin and time spent with John's family. The kids and I actually put up the tree and John did the outdoor lights.

And then I got such a kick out of Bridget when she got the Christmas angels out. These angels, one made by Maria and the other made by Bridget, sit on top of the posts on the railing by the stairs.

She said to Maria, "Let the games begin!" When I asked her about that comment, she told me that she and Maria switch the posts that their angels sit on when the other isn't looking since one of the posts is kind of behind the Christmas tree and doesn't get the best view from all angles. I had no idea of their angelic competition.

Dreams

Photo of Bridget, taken by Maria, July 2009

Flash Back Friday 142

Flashing back to the "first" thanksgiving
Bridget, 1st grade

Happy Thanksgiving!

Edward finally made it home so now we can go to Thanksgiving dinner! He ran in the Turkey Trot 5K first this morning and got a new PR of 17:06.


This is what Ed always says :)

Let All Things Now Living

Thanksgiving 2007

Bridgie's Turn

We realized last week that in all my running around taking pictures, I had not yet photographed my dear 9th grader. We had a beautiful day to rectify the situation though. My mother-in-law always warned me about neglecting the youngest one, but I don't think she needs to worry!

We Three Hydrangeas

I always like the look of these all dried out and brown in the fall

Pride & Prejudice

Maria & Bridget have been busy preparing for this play based on the book by Jane Austen for the past 6 weeks. Maria played a girl named Belinda who was a girl at the ball and Bridget was one of the dancers. They put on performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. We went Saturday night and it was amazing!

Maria & Bridget, Frick-n-Maria, Maria with Kate & Abby after the show

Maria played Belinda at the Ball.

Frick was outstanding as Mr. Darcy and Abby was a perfect Elizabeth

Bridget was one of the Ballroom dancers. I took this one at the curtain call.

I also caught a few of Maria at the curtain call.

Grilling Greatness

This past Thursday evening while the Queen Mother & Dad were in town, we went over to our church fundraiser at BD Mongolian Grill. John and Cathy spent some time as "Guest Grillers" stir-frying up the suppers of the guests. MCC was able to keep all of the money in the tip jar as well as $1 for each reservation. We had such a fun time with everyone there!

Flash Back Friday 141

Edward, 3 years old

Love Thursday

What's not to love?

Falling Slowly

This past weekend was so beautiful outside that Maria and I took the opportunity to go on one more senior photo adventure. She has been too busy to go earlier! Sunday afternoon, we walked around downtown and focused on close-ups. Here are a few so far...

We had such a great afternoon, the weather was awesome, we took a potty break at the Amway Grand Plaza, we walked along the river. I could have done this forever and then I saw a hill covered with fallen golden leaves which added to a growing anxious feeling that this time is almost over. Maria didn't want to pose for me on this hill which I thought would have been emblematic of the time - she had about had it.

Beautiful Weekend!

November Sun

Wouldn't you just run for your camera if you saw these under the sun?

Flash Back Friday 140

June 2006, OBX

Leaf Love Thursday

Still out there if you look...

Sky View

I love this Artist the best


He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. Ps. 147:8

His-n-Her Volvo Station Wagons

It was just last fall when John bought his Volvo station wagon and it has been such a fun, fun car to have around.



We have been jokingly dreaming for a long time of the day when we would be done with the mini-van stage of life. We've been driving one for 15 years! Well, the day finally arrived and I didn't cut my ear off to see the van go.

Birthday Week Wrap-up

We celebrated again on Sunday when Edward came home and this time we had a cake. This past week was a whirlwind and Sharon did make me a wonderful red velvet cake at work which was photo worthy but not in time before it was gobbled up.

John was ready for a Sunday afternoon nap so this photo was very quickly taken. We should have fussed more but oh well.



It reminded me of this one taken 5 years ago because I was wearing the same shirt. Funny how the kids get older but I stay the same.



For some reason, it shocked me to see that John had put bright candles on the cake. I needed my shades. Oh yeah, and I had to take a quick one of Edward too because I liked his hair.

The Leaves are Leaving Us

I finally had the time and energy and weather cooperation yesterday to capture what was left of the leaves on the trees.



Most of them however, were on the ground with frost on them and some were in the puddles...



They were still a sight to behold.